The Grotto

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church. A major influenza epidemic spread across the United States in 1918 causing many deaths. Under the leadership of Father J.M.J. Wack (d.1927), who served Saints Peter and Paul Church for 38 years, members constructed this grotto to commemorate an end to the disease-related deaths in the parish. Modeled after the Lourdes Grotto in southwestern France, it was built of native rock gathered from area ranches. Aided by parishioners, J.J. Scholz of Nebraska completed the stonework. The congregation dedicated the shrine during a celebration on June 29, 1921. (1980)

The Grotto is a historical marker in New Braunfels, Comal County, dedicated in 1980. It is one of 106 historical markers documented in Comal County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 256 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 29.7034, -98.1285 near New Braunfels. The nearest cataloged historic site is The Church of Saints Peter and Paul (historical marker), about under a tenth of a mile away. Others within a short drive include Site of New Braunfels Academy, New Braunfels Academy, and Old Schmidt Home.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5091005348. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.